Karnataka's Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy has provided crucial clarifications regarding a major urea seizure, emphasizing it was a collaborative effort between state and central authorities. The minister's statements came during a media interaction in Malavalli on Tuesday, aiming to set the record straight on the enforcement action and the ongoing fertilizer supply situation.
Joint Operation Seizes Massive Urea Stock
Minister Cheluvarayaswamy detailed that the confiscated urea was not the result of a solo mission by any central agency. Instead, it was seized in a joint operation conducted by both central and state authorities. The substantial stock, weighing nearly 190 metric tonnes and valued at approximately Rs 84 lakh, was allegedly being transported from Kerala to Chennai via Karnataka.
The minister identified the owner of the stock as an individual named Tajir. He used this instance to highlight the broader issue of illegal urea handling, revealing that 23 related cases have been registered over the past three years.
Jurisdiction and Supply Shortfall Addressed
Clarifying the roles in fertilizer distribution, Cheluvarayaswamy explained that urea supply is primarily monitored by the central government through designated retail and wholesale channels and does not fall solely under the state's purview. He noted that while the agriculture department often faces criticism, warehouse owners are not directly under its control.
Since the seized consignment crossed state borders, the minister asserted that both state and central agencies share the responsibility for enforcement. Addressing the current scarcity faced by farmers, he attributed the urea shortage to a supply shortfall of about 3.5 lakh units from the central pool, dismissing claims that it was primarily due to illegal hoarding.
Political Sparring Over Farm Issues
The minister also took the opportunity to launch a sharp political critique against Union Minister and former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. Cheluvarayaswamy ridiculed Kumaraswamy, stating that the "hit and run" tag suited him well, and challenged him to release documents on farmer suicide numbers.
Asserting that farmer suicide rates have actually declined, the minister said compensation norms were relaxed on humanitarian grounds. He further questioned Kumaraswamy's unfulfilled promises regarding the Mekedatu project and other central initiatives for the state.
This episode underscores the complex interplay between state and central agencies in agricultural regulation and the political narratives that often surround farm distress and administrative actions.
